How to Share Your Screen for Free in a Browser with a Room Code

Updated

You can share your screen for free from a desktop browser by opening a WebRTC-based screen sharing site, creating a room, and sending the room code to your viewers. No download or sign-up is required. This works on desktop browsers that support WebRTC; mobile devices can't start a share, but they can join a room to watch.

What you need before starting

  • A desktop or laptop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • A modern browser with WebRTC support: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
  • A stable internet connection.
  • The room code, once you create it, to send to your audience.

Screen sharing isn't supported on mobile devices. Mobile users can still join a room to view screens shared by others, so they can watch but not broadcast.

Step-by-step: create a room and share your screen

  1. Open the screen sharing site on your desktop browser. Go to the site and look for the main action area.
  2. Create a room. Select the option to create a room. The site generates a room code for you.
  3. Use a custom room ID if you want a fixed name. If you need a memorable or reusable room name, use the custom room ID option instead of the auto-generated code.
  4. Share the room code with your viewers. Send the code through chat, email, or any messaging app. Viewers enter it in the join field to watch.
  5. Start sharing. When prompted, choose what to share: your entire screen, a specific application window, or a browser tab.
  6. Confirm the browser permission prompt. Your browser will ask for permission to capture your screen. Approve it to begin broadcasting.

Once you approve the permission prompt, your selected screen, window, or tab appears to everyone who joined with the room code.

How viewers join

Viewers don't need to create anything. They open the same site, find the join option, and enter the room code you sent them. After that, they can see your shared screen in their browser. This works on both desktop and mobile for viewing.

Common issues and how to fix them

Problem Likely cause What to try
Can't start sharing Using a mobile device Switch to a desktop or laptop; mobile can only view
No screen appears to viewers Browser permission denied Re-check the browser's screen capture permission and approve it
Room code doesn't work Typo or wrong code Re-enter the code exactly as shared; confirm with the host
Sharing fails to start Outdated or unsupported browser Update to the latest Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari
Viewers can't join Network or connection issue Check the internet connection on both sides and reload the page

Key things to remember

  • The whole flow runs in the browser using WebRTC, which is why no download or sign-up is needed.
  • The room code is the only thing viewers need to watch.
  • Only desktop browsers can initiate a share; mobile is view-only.
  • If sharing won't start, check your browser version and screen capture permissions first.